When the new Albert Lea High School was built, District 241 decided to leave out some of the extras so they could remain within their budget.

Monday, March 26, 2001

When the new Albert Lea High School was built, District 241 decided to leave out some of the extras so they could remain within their budget. But Dr. Stephen Thorn rallied other community members to make up the difference.

He wrote an open letter to Albert Lea, asking community members to donate money for unbudgeted school items like band practice rooms and video equipment.

Shortly after, Thorn and Al Arends formed the Albert Lea Public Schools Foundation. The response was outstanding, Thorn said.

&uot;We started it up and all the sudden we had all these people who said, ‘This is what I want to do,’&uot; he said.

Foundation members opened a bank account and selected officers last December. Even though they have not officially begun soliciting community contributions, they have received a number of corporate donations – like a lighted marquis sign from Minnesota Corrugated Box and audio/visual equipment from Arends and Associates – and grant funding, Thorn said.

The foundation is tax exempt, and donors can specify what department or what 0equipment they want their contribution to be used for, he said.

&uot;We’re trying to cover all fields – the academics, arts and sports – because there are people from different walks of life who want to give to different areas,&uot; he said.

The foundation hopes updating departmental wish lists for donations will help the school keep pace with technical and equipment changes, he said. Their focus is on the high school now, but could branch off into other District 241 schools as well.

But before they go any further, they want to complete a brochure explaining the foundation. Then they will begin contacting ALHS alumni and community members for contributions, he said.

Thorn is sure the community will respond to the foundation’s efforts.

&uot;I believe in the community and I believe in the educational system in District 241,&uot; Thorn said. &uot;We’re very fortunate to have what we have. I’ve had three children graduate and I will probably have two more. I just feel we have an excellent community.&uot;